Serenity

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: September 30, 2005

DVD Release Date: December 20, 2005

Plot 411: When a teen psychic knows a government secret that the government doesn't want to get out and must run for her life.

Review: This movie was a little complex to follow given that I had not watched the tv series on which it was based. However, I still found it highly entertaining despite not being a big fan of sci fi. A continuation of a science fiction show called Firefly, this movie tells the story of the crew of Serenity and their encounter with a psychic named River (Summer Glau). She has been trained by the Alliance to be used as a weapon until her brother Simon (Sean Maher) rescues her. The two join Serenity to escape, but this just leads deeper into the conspiracy. The crew, mostly petty thieves now that the war for independence is over, must step up to the challenge of uncovering the Alliance's secrets and broadcasting it to the rest of civilization. Serenity's crew includes Mal (Nathan Fillion), Wash (Alan Tudyk) and Jayne (Adam Baldwin). The space battles remind me of battles between cowboys and indians. The dialogue is humorous. The action is a little slapstick and a little Die Hard. I guess you can't ask for much more than that. For me, it broke the stereotypical sci fi model. It became less about the plot and more about the characters. I might just go back and watch some of those old Firefly episodes.

Watch It: For a western veiled in a sci-fi movie.

Skip It: If you're a stickler for accurate physics and the like.

D.C. Cab

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: December 16, 1983

DVD Release Date: March 1, 2005

Plot 411: A cab company of delinquents bands together to save one of their own.

Review: This is another one of my co-worker's favorite films, and I gotta agree with him that this is an underrated gem. Adam Baldwin plays Albert, the son of a vet who served with Harold (Max Gail). He comes north to work for Harold at his cab company. The company is barely holding on and its drivers are a bunch of misfits. The drivers include Samson (Mr. T), Tyrone (Charlie Barnett), Dell (Gary Busey), Ophelia (Marsha Warfield), Bob (Bill Maher), Xavier (Paul Rodriguez) and Buddy and Buzzy (Peter and David Barbarian). Despite being with the company for many years, the drivers all dream of their big break someday. With little respect for their job or boss, the drivers simply drift through life doing as they please. However, when Albert and some children are kidnapped, the motley crew joins forces to save their new friend. The movie is classic '80s fare. I mean, c'mon. Mr. T? Can it get better than that? Well, my friend. Let me just tell you that it can . . . and does! This movie is downright funny - from the wardrobe to the hairstyles to the lines. It's unique and completely the best of the cheesy '80s. I am also convinced, after viewing this film, that Busey's act was not an act. It was a portrayal of his real self 25 years before he went on Celebrity Rehab. How could people not recognize the signs?

Watch It: To see Mr. T's pimped out cab.

Skip It: If the thought men in brightly colored clothes gives you the shivers.